The heart issue that surfaced for Montez Sweat at the Combine did not impede the Mississippi State product from participating in drills in Indianapolis. Nor did it keep him off the field during his time with the Bulldogs, with the defensive end playing in 26 games the past two seasons.
But it may have major ramifications on his draft stock. Some teams have taken Sweat off their draft boards, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports (video link).
Sweat has an enlarged heart, Pelissero reports, adding some teams’ doctors have told their scouts no example of a player dealing with this issue exists in the current NFL. However, athletes in other sports have been able to participate despite this condition.
A sense exists that more progressive teams are willing to take the risk of adding the dynamic pass rusher. Some have spoken to cardiologists who have indicated Sweat would be able to have an NFL career, per Pelissero. Other teams, however, are not comfortable taking him and have taken him off their boards.
The 22-year-old prospect registered 22.5 sacks the past two seasons. He blazed to a 4.41-second 40-yard dash time. His known visits were with the Texans, Bengals, 49ers, Bills, Raiders, Packers and Buccaneers.
Were his heart not a concern, it would appear Sweat would be a lock to go early in the first round. He still may. But it should be noted Maurice Hurst, viewed by some as a first-round prospect last year, fell to the fifth round last year because of a different heart condition. It would not be surprising to see Sweat drop next week as a result of his enlarged heart diagnosis.
sounds like a worthwhile gamble if he falls.
Taken him off their boards or moved him down? Big difference. Come round 4 and certainly by 7, every team would take the “gamble”.
Cross him off then!!!!
Lions have been linked to him @ 8 I was already hoping they trade down so if they do trade down, I would take him in the 20’s
Once the qbs go then he will. Some teams can’t afford to gamble on him over a qb.
It would be stupid to completely take him off your draft board depending on how far he fell. Like I could see being wary and passing on him in the first round (and maybe for some early second round picks) since teams are usually looking for long term starters with those picks and the heart condition would obviously be a red flag for that type of draft condition. For a mid-to-late second round pick (and onwards) there shouldn’t be much reason to pass on him aside from addressing a more pressing need. Like if the choice comes down to Sweat or some mid-round project pass rusher then there’s no real reason to pass on Sweat.
Nick Bosa also has an enlarged heart. Take him off ur board to be safe
He’s also a m.f.er
Whoever gets this guy outside the top 15 will be getting a steal. He looks like a perennial 12+ sack guy in the mood of Julius Peppers/Mario Williams.
“More ‘progressive’ teams are willing to take a chance on him”. I think the word you’re looking for here is ‘desperate’ or ‘reckless’. Compare the situation to politics